INTRODUCTION

This document presents the general structure for the CUGS course
curriculum, describing the goals with CUGS graduate education, as well
as a
specification of the core course curriculum that is part of the CUGS
course curriculum. The curriculum is also available in PDF

SCIENTIFIC SCOPE OF CUGS

The graduate school focuses on central parts of the scientific
areas core computer science (sv. datalogi) and computer engineering
(sv. datorsystem),
emphasizing applied research with a strong theoretical foundation. As
such, the scientific scope of CUGS embraces the following
characteristic subject areas:

ways of specifying computational behaviour, including both
algorithms and large-scale software: programming languages on all
levels, specification
languages, special-purpose and script languages, etc

ways of describing computational processes on different
substrates, including computational processes on the electronic level
(VLSI etc) as well as
software configuration systems

ways of describing the structure and expressing the contents of
data collections (data bases in a broad sense, including mark-up
languages etc)

information systems in the sense of software artefacts (but not
information systems in the sense of e.g. enterprise information system)

the study of specific (classes of) algorithms and data
structures, in particular, those that are used for systems related
purposes in computing systems

industrial-strength formal methods for software and systems
design

real-time systems and embedded systems

distributed systems and other net-centric systems

techniques for implementing autonomous and intelligent behaviour
in computational systems (agent technology, problem-solving, planning,
learning, and
other similar behaviour in AI systems)

ways of characterizing the computational requirements (space,
memory) of computational processes, and of using those estimates in
higher level processes
(e.g. real time systems)

ways of presenting information to the computer user in
multi-modal forms, including in particular the use of graphics

the formal basis for several of the above, including the
relevant branches of discrete mathematics, formal logic, and complexity
theory, programming
languages and systems

GOALS OF CUGS GRADUATE STUDIES

The overall goal of CUGS graduate studies is to prepare CUGS
students for a professional career in teaching and research
development. The more specific
goals are:

stimulate CUGS students in their pursuit of knowledge, such that
both the knowledge depth and breadth within the research area are
achieved

train CUGS students to become independent researchers that
master research methods and scientific thinking and interact with
peers;

train CUGS students' ability to identify and formulate research
problems, plan and perform research projects;

train CUGS students' skills in communicating and presenting
research results; and

support CUGS students in building a personal network at both
national and international level.

These goals are to be achieved by carrying out independent research
under the guidance of a supervisor, and participation in a course
curriculum. The
present document specifies the course curriculum of CUGS.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In order to be admitted to CUGS, the following student
qualifications should be fulfilled:

(i) A university degree of at least 240 credits (four years
full-time study) or similar gained either in Sweden or abroad. Of the
240 credits, 90 credits in
computer science, relevant to CUGS subject areas.

(ii) The ideal student has basic knowledge (A- to C-level) in all
or most of the following subject areas (relevance considers student's
background and
research topic, and set of elective courses):

principles of computation (similar to the review course
"Computation I")

Compilers and Interpreters or Compiler Construction (TDDB44)

computer networks

database systems

discrete mathematics

distributed and parallel systems (concurrent programming)

operating systems

programming languages

real-time and/or embedded systems

software engineering

artificial intelligence

computer architecture

Note, the student should further satisfy any specific
qualifications required by the laboratory the prospective students
apply to.

STRUCTURE OF CURRICULUM

The curriculum consists of two parts:

Course work of at least 90 credits, divided into three groups:

CUGS core courses

CUGS advanced courses

other courses

Doctoral dissertation.

CUGS is responsible that CUGS courses are of excellent quality and
meet the following standards and characteristics: (i) match the profile
and scientific scope of CUGS;

(ii) identify and present research within the course topic,
providing in-depth knowledge in the topic area;

(iii) emphasize research methodology by exemplifying good research
methodology and practice within the topic area, as well as identifying
strengths,
weaknesses, and alternative methods; and

(iv) are evaluated by CUGS.

In addition to CUGS courses, CUGS organizes a seminar series that
focus on research methodology, computer ethics, and presentation
techniques.

CUGS CORE COURSES

Core courses form the basis for a common foundational knowledge for
all CUGS' PhD students. The block consist of both (i) theoretical
courses in logics
and mathematical training, and (ii) courses in specific applied
research areas. Each core course has a prerequisite that the student
has taken a corresponding
course during his/her undergraduate study program.

Some courses are given each year, some every second year – and the plan above is dependent on enough participants. Courses are given if we have at least five LiU PhD students registered.

As titles may have changed over time and some courses have been replaced - here is a list of former core courses:

Discrete Structures II

Artificial Intelligence

High-Performance Network

Databases

Knowledge Representation

Advanced courses

There is also always a selection of advanced CUGS courses available in the course program, for you to choose depending on your study area.

(The thesis proposal replaces the integration test, according to
decision at steering committee meeting February 13th, 2003)

CUGS ADVANCED COURSES

In order to maintain focus, it is recommended that advanced courses
are in principle taken after fulfilling the requirements of the CUGS
core courses. The
advanced courses are elective, and provide in-depth knowledge in CUGS
subject areas. Each course in this category is primarily aimed for
those students
who are doing their thesis in a closely related area or have a strong
interest in the subject of the course. The prerequisites for the
advanced courses originate from: (i) CUGS core courses, (ii) courses
taken under pre-doctoral education, or (iii) other CUGS advanced
courses.

Below is an incomplete list of courses that have been identified in
this category.

OTHER COURSES

Courses in this category include other courses, e.g., non-computer
science courses such as research methodology, presentation techniques
etc, that the
student and supervisor find to be a strong complement considering the
individual student's interests, abilities, and future career.